Governor John Bel Edwards says he will sign a bill that bans abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected. It received final legislative approval on the House floor after an emotional debate. An amendment to add an exception in cases of rape and incest was rejected, despite this argument from Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith…
cut 16 (12) “…of them”
But proponents of the fetal heartbeat bill say a fetus should not be punished for the sins of a relative or rapist.

Also passing the House floor yesterday was a bill that bans drivers from using a handheld cellphone while behind the wheel. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says the proposed law could create unintended consequences….
cut 11 (07) “…objectionable”
The measure still needs to get through the Senate and there’s a week to go in the session.

Governor Edwards will travel to Morgan City this afternoon to inspect the barge sinking operation in Bayou Chene. This will help prevent backwater flooding when water from the Mississippi River flows down the Atchafalaya River after the Morganza Spillway is opened on Sunday. St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars…
cut 9(07) “…down south”
President Donald Trump has approved the state’s request for a federal disaster declaration.

With a week to go, it remains to be seen if teachers will receive a pay raise. Governor Edwards is pushing lawmakers to approve a one-thousand dollar salary hike, which Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says will get the state closer to the Southern Regional Average….
cut 5 (10) “….than that”
Edwards has said if re-elected, he’ll look to increase teacher salaries even more.